In another tragic incident of the ever increasing human-elephant conflicts a female elephant and two young calves were shot dead recently in the Pomparippu area on the western boundary of the Wilpattu National Park.

Wildlife Deputy Director Tharaka Prasad Gajaweera who conducted an inquiry on Wednesday said the elephant and the two calves had died of gunshot injuries some ten days ago.

He said the cow elephant appeared to be about 20 years of age and the calves 6 to 8 months old and that it was a matter of serious concern as to how these animals came to be killed within the National Park which is usually a safe haven for any animal especially to such protected species.